Corporate & Franchise Law Attorney

Description:

Larkin Hoffman is seeking a Corporate & Franchise Law Attorney to join its nationally recognized Franchise & Distribution practice group as an Associate or Of Counsel Attorney, depending on experience. This position will work alongside our well-known franchise lawyers with national and emerging franchise brands in a fast-paced, technology-forward, and client-centric environment. Larkin Hoffman’s franchise practice has been ranked by Chambers USA, named among the Best Law Firms® by U.S. News for franchise law nationally and regionally, and our attorneys are regularly recognized as Legal Eagles by Franchise Times and listed in Best Lawyers in America®, and are perennial writers and speakers for the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising.

In this position, you will also have the opportunity to build a career and practice in a fast-growing area of the law working with many of the largest and fastest growing franchise brands, across multiple industries, from hospitality and fitness, to quick-service restaurants and home services. This position will entail direct client contact from day one and meaningful mentorship from attorneys with decades of franchise experience. The successful candidate will possess four or more years of corporate and/or franchise experience with exceptional analytical and writing skills, be a hard worker who is driven to build a practice, and be admitted to practice law in the state of Minnesota. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience handling general franchise and business matters for clients, with a strong emphasis on drafting and written analysis.

About Larkin Hoffman:

Larkin Hoffman, a full-service law firm, is motivated to attract and retain talented and diverse professionals into our growing Firm and is committed to training and professional development. We continuously undertake strategic efforts to advance diversity and foster a respectful, equitable and inclusive workplace. Working at Larkin Hoffman also has the benefit of being in a prime office location outside the downtown core at Normandale Lake Office Park in Bloomington, MN for easy access with complimentary parking.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Handle franchise regulatory and compliance matters, including advising clients on federal and state franchise laws and interacting with regulators.
• Draft, amend, and update franchise disclosure documents (FDDs), franchise agreements, and related filings, including state registrations.
• Draft and negotiate franchise‑related agreements including development, area representative, and distribution agreements.
• Work with franchisors and other franchise attorneys to structure and document franchise relationships.
• Assist with franchise system acquisitions, sales, and related due diligence.
• Assist with franchisor securitization transactions, including the structuring of special purpose vehicles, drafting and negotiating Offering Memorandum disclosures, and advising on the sale or pledge of franchise-related receivables (such as royalty streams and franchise fees) to raise capital.
• Draft a variety of business and corporate agreements including purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, and operating agreements.
• Support entity formation and structuring and represent small to mid‑sized clients in general business and corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions.

Education and/or Experience:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited U.S. law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Minnesota, or eligible for admission.
• Four or more years of experience in franchise, business, or corporate law.
• Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating franchise agreements and related documents.
• Excellent legal writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and practical client guidance.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in written work.
• Experience advising clients on franchise structuring and regulatory considerations preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and work effectively in a collaborative, client‑focused environment.
• Preference given to candidates with significant franchise experience and the ability to handle a range of business and corporate matters.

Benefits:

• 401(k) / Profit Sharing Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health Insurance
• HSA/FSA
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness and Group Accident Coverage
• CLE and Bar Dues
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vision & Dental Insurance (available at employee cost)

Compensation:

The estimated starting base annual pay range for an associate in this position would be $165,000 - $175,000 per year and represents the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the starting compensation at the time of posting. Higher starting compensation may be offered to an attorney with more experience than an associate attorney. Additionally, the Firm has adopted a holistic compensation structure with a strong bonus program that includes bonus eligibility starting at 1,650 client billable hours. The compensation offered will depend on several factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s years of experience, qualifications, and skill set.

All search firm contacts regarding attorney candidates, either in writing or by telephone, must be made through the Firm’s Director of Administration and Talent, Nora Klaphake. No search firm representatives shall contact any Larkin Hoffman attorney or employee without express written authorization from the Director of Administration and Talent. If you would like to submit a candidate for this or any other attorney position, please send a blind submission summarizing the candidate’s experience omitting the candidate’s name, current employer or any other identifying information to Nora Klaphake at [email protected].